CANYON FIRE SUMMARY FOR SEPTEMBER 21, 2016

  • Published
  • 30th Space Wing Public Affairs

Base officials announced today that the Canyon Fire burning on Vandenberg’s South Base is now 70% contained. The 1,142 firefighters currently battling the 12,000 acre blaze made considerable progress over the course of the day establishing new containment lines and reinforcing existing lines. With this progress, the base has begun initial effort to assess damage and develop recovery plans.

 

Favorable weather throughout the day and a marine layer that lasted until late morning dampened temperatures and kept the fire activity to moderate levels, which allowed fire teams to work aggressively against the fire.

 

Base officials reported that there was minimal damage to the Union Pacific Railroad tracks through Vandenberg AFB and that train service is able to resume within the fire area.

 

As fire officials look toward the weekend, northwest winds are forecasted to reach 45 miles-per-hour tomorrow and then switch direction to off shore starting Friday. Crews will monitor the fire area for potential flare ups due to the winds.

 

This morning a vehicle accident on Highway 246, east of Lompoc claimed the life of a fire engineer and injured a fire fighter from Ventura County. The responders were assigned to California Office of Emergency Services Water Tender 12, which was supporting helicopter operations for the fire response.

 

For updates please check the Vandenberg AFB website at www.vandenberg.af.mil.